Germany Prussia WWI Fire Department Badge for 25 Years Long Meritorious Service 1908

A Republic of Prussia Decoration for Merit in the Fire Service - Bronze gilt, marked "GES. GESCHÜTZT" and "ORIGINAL" on the reverse, 46.8 mm, vertical pinback, extremely fine. Footnote: The Decoration was originally instituted on June 15, 1908 by King Wilhelm II for 25 years’ blameless and meritorious service in a Prussian fire service or outstanding meritorious action beyond the call of duty. It fell into abeyance with the fall of the Prussian monarchy at the end of 1918 but was reinstated in 1926 by the Prussian State Ministry with the royal elements of the design replaced. It was superseded by a new version in 1933.